Causes Of Enlarged Pores
Enlarged Pores can be caused by various factors, including:
- genetics
- sun damage
- excess oil (sebum) production
- ageing skin
- repeated congestion in the pores
As our collagen and elastin levels decline, the pore walls lose structural support. This makes them appear larger and become more visible.
Treatments for Enlarged Pores
At Bella Plastic Surgery, we primarily treat Enlarged Pores with medical-grade Micro-Needling. This is supported by Light-Emitting Diode (LED) therapy and targeted skincare to maximise the skin’s healing response and collagen production.
Micro-Needling
Micro-Needling (Skin Needling) is a minimally invasive skin treatment that uses very fine needles to create controlled micro channels in the skin. These microinjuries stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes, including the production of collagen and elastin. This process may gradually strengthen the surrounding skin structure, making it firmer and more resilient. This helps reduce the visibility of the enlarged pores while addressing overall skin texture.
In some instances, we may recommend Dry Microneedling. This technique does not involve any topical lubricant, allowing for more direct mechanical stimulation of the skin. This approach may help encourage localised tissue contraction around enlarged pores.
Adjunct Therapies
LED Therapy
We often recommend LED therapy following Micro-Needling. LED therapy can help:
- reduce post-treatment inflammation
- support cell viability
- assist the healing process
- encourage healthy tissue regeneration
LED therapy can commence several days after Micro-Needling treatment and be repeated at intervals to help promote ongoing cellular activity.
Medical-Grade Skincare
During and after treatment, we apply professional topical products. These products have been formulated specifically to support treated or compromised skin and may contain ingredients that support hydration, collagen production and skin repair.
We may also advise patients to use specific home care products to support skin recovery and optimise treatment outcomes.
Treatable Areas
Enlarged Pores can be treated with Micro-Needling on the following areas:
- face
- nose
- chin
- cheeks
- forehead
Treatment may also be suitable for other areas with textural changes, depending on your individual skin assessment.
Treatment Response
Individual responses after treatment vary, depending on skin characteristics, collagen levels and lifestyle factors. However, many patients see visible changes in skin texture and pore appearance after treatment.
For optimal results, we usually recommend Micro-Needling as part of a structured treatment plan, rather than a single session.
Treatments Required
Determining the number of treatments required will depend on the severity of the enlarged pores and your skin’s response to treatment. Often, we recommend a series of treatments spaced approximately four weeks apart to support ongoing collagen production and address overall pore appearance.
Treatment Comfort
To minimise discomfort during treatment, we apply a topical anaesthetic cream to the treatment area 30-60 minutes before the procedure begins.
Appointment Duration
Most appointments take approximately one hour. This includes your consultation, skin preparation, application of a topical anaesthetic, the Micro-Needling treatment and a discussion of post-treatment care.
Medical Grade Vs At-Home Micro-Needling Treatments
At-home medical devices, while readily available, differ significantly from professional, medical-grade micro-needling devices used in clinical environments.
Professional devices enable precise control of needle depth. This allows the treatment to reach the dermis, where collagen production occurs and is necessary to stimulate significant structural changes in the skin.
Home devices typically penetrate the skin to much shallower depths, providing only minimal, temporary results.
In addition to the above, clinical treatments can integrate supportive therapies such as LED therapy and medical-grade skincare, which can further support treatment outcomes and recovery.
Downtime
Most patients can resume their everyday activities soon after treatment. After treatment, your skin may be red and feel warm for around 24 to 72 hours. You may also experience swelling or sensitivity during this time. In some instances, dryness or flaking may develop while the skin renews itself.
After-Care
After your appointment, you’ll receive verbal and written after-care instructions. These instructions support proper recovery and help optimise treatment results.
To achieve optimal results, you must stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure and use the recommended medical-grade skincare.
Risks & Potential Side-Effects
All non-surgical cosmetic procedures carry potential risks. Following Micro-Needling, it’s common to experience temporary redness, skin sensitivity and mild swelling. Some individuals may also experience mild dryness or flaking while the skin heals.
Less frequent side effects include pigment changes, bruising, prolonged redness or inflammatory reactions. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please get in touch with the clinic for further advice.
For more information, please see our Potential Risks and Complications page.